DIY denim distressing: Don’t pay hundreds for trendy ripped jeans

Friday

Jun 9, 2017 at 12:01 AM

Deena Bouknight More Content Now

Jeans have been around since Jacob Davis and Levi Strauss teamed up in the late 1800s to bring functional, lasting pants to men. When they became unsightly and worn-through at the knees, the wearer ordered a new pair.

Today, the more aged the better — giving the wearer individuality.

Older generations might eye ripped, torn, pierced and shredded jeans with disdain and lament the waste of spending money on damaged goods. Yet, what the fashion industry deems as “distressed denim” is a multi-million-dollar endeavor. Trend mavens are willing to pay much for distinct distressing.

However, for those who cannot or will not invest in the look, there are ways to do it yourself. While it seems like distressing denim jeans is as easy as taking frustrations out with a pair of scissors and maybe a knife, the process is a bit more involved to achieve true distressed distinction.

American Eagle shared in a 2014 blog post that a few simple tools and knowledge of some tricks of the trade are necessary. Sandpaper, 220 grit or higher, wears down specific spots and results in light distressing.

A razor blade scrapes away surface thread and cuts seams. Something like a block of wood needs to be placed inside the pant’s leg so distressing occurs on one side at time.

InStyle’s step-by-step directions on Pinterest show how to use a box cutter to make horizontal slices in the front and then use a safety pin to pull treads apart and tweezers to remove vertical threads.

A microplane grater is another handy tool. And a tablespoon of bleach diluted with a cup of water can be sprayed on selected spots.American Eagle suggests less is more: Start with a little, sport the jeans, and let nature take its course. Natural wear and tear results in a more unique appearance. Experiment. Additional distressing can always be achieved in stages, but go too far initially and a good pair of jeans may be headed for the trash.